PREGAME: KINGS TAKE FIRST SWIM IN SHARK TANK

Isn’t he supposed to be some great goal scorer? Didn’t the Kings need to trade for him to have any chance at a respectable offense? A few months ago you would have (as many did) screamed “hell yes!”

But that was then, and this is now. The now where Anze Kopitar has scored 2 more goals than Heatley and 4 more points than Joe Thornton through 12 games of the season.

In a battle for the Pacific Division lead, the Los Angeles Kings (16 points) take on the San Jose Sharks (15 points) tonight for the second time this season and the first time at the notorious Shark Tank. Supposedly a tough building to play in, the Kings say ‘phooey’ as they look to extend their winning streak to a season high 5 games.

The Sharks have spent the majority of their time on the road, having played only 3 games at home before tonight. They are 2-0-1 at home, but I’m sure they will be OK being .500 for a day or two.

Dead in the water are forwards Devin Setoguchi and Ryan Vesce, who will sit tonight with leg injuries along with the previously paining Joe Pavelski and Torrey Mitchell.

Expect the Kings lineup to remain the same. Justin William is having a ‘hella’ hard time getting healthy and did not travel with the team up to ‘NorCal’. Luckily for him his ears will be spared the areas more agitating colloquialisms. Hopefully the rest of the team remembered to bring their harpoons.